2016 pilgrimage: ncpc signs agreement with two carriers

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) has signed an agreement with the air carriers that have been selected to participate in the 2016 Christian Pilgrimage Exercise. The signing ceremony took place at the NCPC corporate headquarters in Abuja recently.

The Chairman of NCPC, Primate Nicholas Okoh in his address admonished the air carriers to respect the agreement and avoid court cases because NCPC represents the church and would fulfill its duties of meeting up with the agreement. He stated that the carriers should ensure that the aircrafts are in good shape in order to ensure the safety of pilgrims as the Federal Government has elected that pilgrimage must provide for the safety of Nigerians who embark on this exercise.

In his remarks at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Rev. Uja Tor Uja, intimated the selected air carriers that the commission is set to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims get the best treatment and comfort they deserve and as such he charged them to live up to expectations. According to him, “NCPC is not indebted to any air carrier and as such the favour should be reciprocated”.

He further urged them to ensure that Nigeria’s identity should be reflected in every activity related to this exercise even to the souvenirs that would be distributed during the pilgrimage operations.

Rev. Uja informed that Christian pilgrimage has reached a time when it would provide returns for the country. His words: “we have come to a time where Christian pilgrimage must provide a platform for tackling crime and providing returns for the country”.

He further enjoined Nigerians especially the youth to see Nigeria as a great country where great things abound rather than searching for greener pastures in other countries.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu affirmed that her duty is to represent and serve the people. Her words: “I am here to ensure that Nigerians get what they deserve”. She stressed that the air carriers should not jeopardize the agreement and should try to ensure a long lasting relationship between the two parties.

The air carriers selected to participate in the pilgrimage operations are: AtlasJet Nigeria Limited and IzyNigeria Limited. Atlasjet is a Turkish Airline and IzyNigeria Limited is a Nigerian brand.